November 2020 Meeting Highlights:

 Shop Local – December is ‘Shop Local Month’ in Rensselaer County. Now, more than ever, during this year’s pandemic, it is important to support our local vendors. We encourage everyone to shop local to keep the sales tax revenue in Rensselaer County.  This will help local businesses and bolster our sales tax revenue. A win win for all! Happy Shopping!

Van Rensselaer Manor (VRM): The Legislature unanimously approved the acceptance of additional relief funding to prevent, prepare and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Legislature also renewed several annual contracts for VRM, such as medical transport, laundry and housekeeping services, and elevator maintenance, as well as the approval to purchase a new digital security system to replace the old and inefficient analog one.

Employment & Training – An agreement to provide employment and training services to eligible, low income youth, through The Arc of Rensselaer County and the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) was approved by the Legislature. This 100% federally funded program offers academic and occupational skill training, leadership development and community service learning, as well as summer employment for disadvantaged, disconnected youth and those with intellectual disabilities.

Racial Justice: The Minority Office has once again submitted a resolution to address racial justice in Rensselaer County. Republican committee members continue to refuse to allow the resolution out of committee for the full Legislature to vote on.

NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, December 8, 2020 in the Rensselaer County Chambers located on the 3rd floor of the Ned Pattison Government Center, 1600 7th Avenue, Troy.

Residents are welcome to contact our office at 518 270-2890.

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